Know your rights: Your landlord is not allowed to do these seven things:
[an extract from an Article by: Xolile Mtembu – Digital Journalist – IOL – 14 November 2024]
Rental property owners and landlords must understand their duties and rights under South African rental regulations, particularly what they are not permitted to do.
Landlords and tenants have rights and obligations under the Rental Housing Act and the Consumer Protection Act and landlords cannot behave arbitrarily, particularly when dealing with tenant complaints.
Seeff Southern Suburbs’ rental brokers highlight a few key points for landlords to consider:
- Cutting the Electricity
… Landlords may not turn off basic services even if the tenant is late on rent. Tenants have the right to these services. - Increasing the Rent to Cover Costs
… Rent increasesmust be in accordance with the lease agreement and be legally valid. - Discriminating against Tenants
… In accordance with the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act, all renters, present and future, must be treated equally and may not face discrimination. - Breaking locks or entering the property at any time
… The tenant must be given proper notice of inspections, and they must be accommodating. - Neglecting to maintain the property
… Landlords are required to maintain rental homes in good and liveable shape. - Locking a tenant out of the property or evict them unlawfully
… Landlords must follow legal procedures and cannot lock tenants out of their rented properties. - Cancelling the lease before the end of the period without legal process
… Even if someone sells the property, they cannot cancel the lease unilaterally.
The Original, Full Article can be Viewed here → https://www.iol.co.za/property/residential/know-your-rights-your-landlord-is-not-allowed-to-these-seven-things-9f614f20-9f9a-43ea-bf96-14261209f56d